Hi there..... My name is Marcela Avila, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Welcome to therapy! I have worked with a variety of issues during my 8 years as a therapist such as anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationships problems, self-esteem, trauma, and life stressors/transitions. I enjoy working with adults, couples, and families to help them achieve overall fulfillment in everyday life.
During the first session with me, I will provide you a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere. We will have a conversation about what brought you to therapy and a brief history to get an understanding of who you are, what your experiences have been and what you hope to achieve. We will review confidentiality guidelines and what to expect from therapy. This initial session aims to establish a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, setting the stage for future sessions.
I’m down to earth and love to laugh. I strive to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how that has impacted them, acknowledge the various unique contexts which impact their lives, connect with their strengths, and learn new ways to strive toward wholeness and personal growth.
My approach to psychotherapy is eclectic. I believe in working and creating an individual treatment approach unique to each of my clients. I am person centered but also psychodynamic, in that I believe that the unconscious is an important door to change where we can uncover the root of patterns of behavior. I also have a passion for working with couples and helping them break free from difficult communication patterns using Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), which focuses on the attachment or strength of the bond a couple has and emotions that are getting in the way of safety, connection, love. etc.